Please be aware of the following information to be implemented by Swimming Victoria at the 2022 Victorian Open Championships to ensure the safety of all attendees and a successful competition for all.
WARM-UP & COOL-DOWN
Warm-up and cool-down lanes during each session WILL BE available in the INDOOR pool throughout each session. It is important to note that warm-up and cool-down conducted in the INDOOR pool throughout each session will require a COVID-19 vaccination check. This space is a physical recreation area (i.e., not being used exclusively for community sport). Athletes, coaches, team managers or support staff who wish to access this space must show proof of their vaccination status upon entry into that area. The following Victorian Government guidelines are in place at MSAC:
You are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for the purposes of attending a venue if:
- You have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, or
- You have a valid medical exemption to COVID-19 vaccination issued by an authorised medical practitioner, or
- You are under the age of 18 years.
If you can show evidence of any of the above, you can enter a venue as if you are fully vaccinated.
Once proof has been shown your accreditation will be labelled with an indoor pool access sticker and then required each time to re-enter this space. If you lose your accreditation or do not provide this information you will be refused entry into the indoor pool.
ACCREDITATION
Accreditation for athletes, coaches, team managers and support staff may be collected from MSAC from Thursday 17th February at the Swimming Victoria office (Level 2). Accreditation will be supplied in club packs. Collection from Friday 18th February will be from the MSAC entry point to the venue.
Athletes 17 years & under will automatically have their accreditation labelled with an indoor pool access sticker and do not need to show proof of vaccination status. Those 18 years and over will be required to show this proof upon collection of the accreditation or when first accessing the indoor pool space area.
MULTI CLASS CLASSIFICATION CARDS
All MC athletes must hold a national classification and be listed on the Swimming Australia National Classification Masterlist. Swimming Victoria Technical Officials have been provided with a list of all MC swimmers in attendance and their class and exceptions. MC athletes are NOT required to show the classification card to Officials as Swimming Australia are phasing out these cards. All classification information is in Swim Central which is provided to Officials on competition day. If you are concerned or have any questions relating to your race on competition day, please see the Technical Director or Swimming Victoria staff representative.
MULTI CLASS MARSHALLING & CALL ROOM
To ensure consistency across all MC events, all athletes swimming in MC events, regardless of whether they are competing in the Para Series or Vic Champs only, will be required to follow the below marshalling procedures:
There is a single call room (outdoor marshalling room) for use during the event. This is for MC events ONLY. It is the responsibility of the athlete to report to the Call Room no later than 10-15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of their event. Marshalling prompts will be displayed on the main scoreboard. Swimmers should monitor the marshalling prompts frequently and should be aware of the event, stroke and heat number in which they are competing. Published timelines are provided as a guide only and must not be relied on as the start times for particular events. Event start times may change.
MEDAL PRESENTATIONS
Formal medal presentations will not occur. Medals for those who place 1st, 2nd or 3rd in their event will be available for collection by each athlete at the Meet Supervisor desk located on pool deck near the AOE room. The presentation dais will be available in the foyer of the outdoor pool for those who place 1st, 2nd or 3rd in their event should they wish to take a commemorative photo.
RESULTS
Printed results will be posted on the glass windows to assist swimmers in processing withdrawals within the required 30-minute timeframe. Results may be viewed via Meet Mobile, Live Results and will be available post event via Swim Central.
SPECTATORS (Parents & Guardians)
Attendees are reminded to not congregate within the MSAC entrance foyer. Please remain in the grandstand area or mezzanine level throughout the competition. This competition will be livestreamed – WATCH HERE
FACE MASKS
Although an outdoor event, it is recommended that face masks are worn if you are unable to physically distance in the grandstand or whilst on pool deck.
REFUNDS
For those who know prior to the competition days that they are unable to attend the competition due to being a COVID positive case or required to isolate as a household contact ONLY you may request a refund via Swim Central only up until Thursday 17th February 2022. Please provide this reason when prompted in Swim Central. If you discover you are unable to attend across the competition days (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) due to testing positive or isolating, please email events@vic.swimming.org.au no later than Sunday 20th February 11:59pm. Requests after this time will not be accepted or refunded. Please note, Swimming Victoria will not be providing event entry refunds for any other reason.
